How to become a TV presenter

Do you want to know how to become a tv presenter? Making your break into the television industry is no walk in the park, particularly with the competitiveness of other aspiring Australian TV presenters. Before you begin feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take a closer look at where to start your career and what to remember as you progress. In this article we’ll tell you how to become an Australian tv presenter.

So, here’s some valuable tips to help you along the way.

Where do I start?

Knowing where to start when you’re wanting to make it in the television industry can be the first of many difficult decisions. If you’re looking to be a TV presenter, the very first thing you should be doing is putting together a showreel.

As your showreel is basically your resume, this should highlight your best skills and leave an impression in the first 30 seconds. Don’t feel like it needs to be highly edited or over the top, it simply needs to show your talent and abilities.

Ideally, your showreel should be no longer than three minutes and will include a variety of your presenting styles in different settings and genres.

Other tips to putting together an impressive showreel include:

• Be ruthless when cutting out footage: Potential employers are only interested in seeing your best work, so if it doesn’t showcase this, delete it. By focusing on showing your strengths, you will be more likely to impress others quickly and they will want to see more from you.
• Match your showreel to the position/company: As all companies are looking for different skills, tailor your showreel to the position you’re applying for. A good approach is to show some of your work that is similar to what the company covers or what the position requires. This will allow them to picture you working for them.
• Keep it simple: As mentioned, don’t feel like your showreel needs to be outrageous. Keeping it simple, yet done well, will be more likely to get you recognised.
• Think of your showreel as an advertisement: You’re trying to sell yourself. Similar to an advertisement, you should be able to convince the employer why they need you within 30 seconds. Any longer and they are likely to be disengaged.

What should I expect?

The television industry isn’t easy, so you need to be prepared. There will often be long and unsociable hours, sometimes with short notice. As well as this, the salary can be quite low, and opportunities will come and go in the blink of an eye.

Though, it’s not all bad. The industry is very exciting, unpredictable and forever changing. Simply make sure you’re prepared to handle its competitiveness, fast pace and demands.

Also, remember to not take rejection to heart. Rejection in the television industry is rarely personal and your reaction will say more about you than you think. Instead, learn from what has happened and move on to the next opportunity.

How to get on TV

Now you’re prepared for the industry and you’ve showcased your talent, there are a few tips to remember. These include:

• Have broad general knowledge: Keep up to date with news as it happens and the industry as it changes. Simply having an interest in current affairs will put you above others who are trying to make it in the industry.
• Always be on time: This applies to many careers, not just working in television. Though, it’s incredibly important to be on time as your presence will affect the work of others, including the lighting department, cameramen and even make up department.
• Be willing to work in rural areas: Again, this will put you above others competing to make it in the television industry. Showing your willingness to relocate for a position will have supervisors wanting to invest more time and resources into helping you develop your career.
• Always keep working on your communication skills: Though you may think you have your communication skills perfected, it’s important to be willing to always improve them. Whether it be having a clear speaking voice, developing your writing style or grammar, always keep working to be better.
• Get professional TV presenter training: Last but not least you can always get some professional TV presenter training, nothing helps you progress faster than feedback from experienced professionals.

Alternatively, if creating your own show is how you’re looking to get on television, there are many techniques for how you can pitch a TV show once you have developed a concept. These include:

• Submitting your material to appropriate companies who might be interested (try finding any contact details you can, whether it be phone numbers or email addresses).
• Network with people whenever you can. Though every relationship you make may not be beneficial in having your show recognized, new contacts may know someone who can be of help.
• Have an effective pitch ready for when you are invited to sell your idea. Always be prepared to sell your show and talk about your hook (why is your show original), the audience (who you are targeting) and the ‘trailer’ (if you were to sell this show, what would you make sure to highlight).

TV presenter training – How do I deliver a great interview?

Although the viewers will primarily be focusing on the answers of the interviewee during an interview, it’s imperative to still be prepared. A few tips to remember include:

• Practice, practice, practice: As with everything, practice makes perfect. Preparing and practicing your interview questions will make you feel more confident before the actual interview. Make sure you focus on the tone of your voice, facial expressions and hand gestures while you try different ways to deliver each question.
• Know what to say: As an interviewer, you must be prepared to follow the track of the conversation and not just purely stick to your prepared questions. If there are certain grabs or answers you need though, remember the themes of the questions you had intended to ask. Ask open ended questions and try to deliver them in a clear, concise manner.
• Relax: Try not to feel too nervous. Remember to take deep breaths and focus on what the interviewee is saying as this may change the direction of the interview immediately.

Adoni Media offers media and presentation training courses in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne for people wanting to succeed in television, as a journalist or spokesperson.